What makes The Healing Game by Van Morrison notable?

The Healing Game received critical acclaim and was noted for its exploration of spirituality and healing through music. While it did not achieve significant commercial success compared to earlier hits, it influenced a generation of singer-songwriters interested in blending genres and introspective themes. The album also features the title track, which has become a staple in Morrison's live performances. Released in 1997, The Healing Game marked Van Morrison's return to form following the less commercially successful Days Like This. This album came during a prolific period for Morrison, who had begun to explore deeper spiritual themes in his music. It followed his critically acclaimed work in the early '90s, further solidifying his reputation as a masterful storyteller.

How many songs are on The Healing Game?

The Healing Game has 4 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

The Healing Game

Van Morrison · 1997

17 min · 4 tracks · jazz fusion

A seamless blend of Celtic folk, soulful melodies, and jazz-infused rhythms creates a reflective soundscape of healing and introspection.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Healing Game — This title track encapsulates the album's overarching theme of healing, combining reflective lyrics with an uplifting melody that resonates deeply.
→
Full Force Gale ’96 — This song stands out for its energetic instrumentation and rhythmic drive, showcasing Morrison's ability to fuse different musical styles while maintaining emotional depth.
→
Look What the Good People Done — With its vibrant arrangement and poignant lyrics, this track highlights Morrison's knack for storytelling and social commentary within a rich musical context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and Celtic influences with thoughtful lyrics, showcasing Morrison's artistic evolution.

What we noticed

The first track features a slow build with layered instrumentation, gradually introducing horns and strings that create a rich texture.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, blurring the lines between vocal and instrumental sections.
The album frequently shifts between tempo and mood, with tracks like 'Fire in the Belly' contrasting with more reflective pieces like 'Sometimes We Cry'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.